We‘re certainly in the depths of winter now and if you haven’t bought a coat yet the January sales are the perfect place to get that bargain coat. I always find winter coat shopping a bit of a challenge, after all it is the one piece of your wardrobe that gets the most wear during the long British winter months,  and it not only needs to look good but also keep out the cold and the rain. Basically we want something that is both flattering and shock horror... practical! Practical and fashionable are not words that usually feature in the same sentence, but when shopping for the perfect coat should definitely be considered.

You should love the coat that you purchase; it is a reflection of you and your personal style, and when you put it on it should make you feel confident and comfortable. Consider length, shape, colour, fit and fabric composition to ensure you make the perfect choice when shopping.

 Choosing the right length of coat is vital. If you are less than 5ft 4’’ then a knee length or shorter coat will be much more flattering, whilst taller woman can carry off both the longer and shorter styles.  Next consider what you do when wearing your coat? If you are a commuter and frequently on and off public transport and up and down the escalators of the London Underground system, an ankle skimming full length coat is not necessarily the best length for you as it will soon become dirty and tatty at the bottom. Think about what you are going to wear with and under your coat. For example, do you easily feel the cold? Are you likely to wear lots of layers underneath? If so try a slightly larger size than usual, there is nothing worse than a skin tight, restrictive coat with sausage looking sleeves and seams fit to burst. Do you often wear skirts? Remember to check that the coat will not fall lower than 5cm of the skirt hem.

 Next consider shape. Think about your body shape and the shape of the coat. A- Lines are good for pears, whilst single breasted belted or waist detailed coats work well for hourglass figures. Apples should go for straight knee length single breasted coats with pocket detailing at the hips and an open neckline. The classic double breasted trench style is perfect for column shapes, with detailing such as epaulettes, shoulder flaps, belts, buckles and buttons creating volume and emphasising the waist, creating curves. Finally check you can button the coat up to the neck and down to the knee for those blustery winter mornings.

As well as length and shape, colour and pattern is also very important and are a chance to reflect your personality. Column shapes can create volume and shape with bright coloured and patterned coats, whilst apples should favour plainer colours in rich tones such as purple, navy and chocolate for a softer outline. Flat colours can make your silhouette appear wider. Apple and pear shaped figures can usually handle both colour and all over pattern, but it is usually best to do for a darker or deeper colour for sleek finish

Finally check the fabric composition. A winter coat is an investment and could last for a few seasons if you choose one with high natural fibre content, it will not only be warmer but is less likely to look threadbare around the cuffs and collar at the end of the season. Cashmere and pure new wool combined with a small amount of polyamide (nylon) can however increase the longevity of the coat. An alternative to the traditional cashmere and wool blends are the leather or shearling coats; these are hot trend pieces this season, and if you choose your style wisely should see you through many more winters to come.

Once you found you perfect coat, look after it. Dry clean it often and try to keep it on a wooden hanger rather than a hook on the back of your door. With the right care and attention it could last for years.